B'desh blames Durga puja violence on next polls
October 18, 2021 14:48
Devotees pray to Ma Durga in Dhaka
As reports of attack on minority Hindus continue to emerge from Bangladesh, its home minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, on Monday gave assurance that communal harmony will be protected in his country at any cost.
He claimed that the violence is aimed at fomenting trouble in his nation with an eye on the next general election.
The neighbouring country is likely to hold its elections in the end of 2023.
Speaking to PTI over phone, Khan Kamal said that an investigation is underway to nab the culprits involved in "inciting violence" in his country. He also did not rule out "the involvement on the BNP-Jamaat elements" behind the attacks.
"We have taken stern actions to tackle the situation. An investigation is underway; none of the culprits would be spared. I want to assure you that the communal harmony of our country will be protected at any cost. Both the minority and majority communities are citizens of this country and would be protected," Khan Kamal said.
The minister asserted that Bangladesh would not let the trouble-makers succeed in their mission. "These incidents are aimed at tarnishing the image of our nation and creating tension with an eye on the general election. But we won't allow these forces to succeed," he said.
Violence had erupted in pockets of Bangladesh over an alleged blasphemy incident at a Durga Puja pavilion in Cumilla, around 100 km from Dhaka, following which paramilitary forces were deployed in many affected areas.
Sporadic clashes, however, broke out between the police and the bigots as media reported about vandalisation of Hindu temples and Durga puja venues. At least five persons were killed, and scores of others injured in the clashes.
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